Scottish farmers to receive up to 90% of direct payments in ‘coming days’

Payments worth more than £241 million will begin to arrive in the bank accounts of Scottish farmers and crofters in the coming days.

Those eligible will receive up to 90% of their CAP Basic and Greening 2018 payment under the national loan scheme announced earlier this summer.

In total, 10,684 farmers and crofters will receive payment under the scheme, providing vital financial support following months of adverse weather conditions.

Announcing the scheme, Rural Economy Secretary Fergus Ewing said: “As promised, I can confirm the first tranche of loan payments will begin to arrive in bank accounts in the coming days.

This money will provide a cash injection worth £241 million into the rural economy, directly helping those feeling the effects of increased feed and fodder prices, and the adverse weather experienced by many across the year.

“I would encourage anyone who has yet to accept a loan offer to consider it carefully and respond as quickly as possible.

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“For those farmers and crofters yet to receive a loan offer, I would like to put their minds at ease that offers are still being made once eligibility checks have been completed.

“I am confident the majority of all eligible claimants will have received an offer no later than October 31, and be able to receive their loan payment shortly after they accept the loan offer, demonstrating my absolute commitment to support our rural business and communities.”